VP&S Bldg. Advisory: Temporary Electrical Shutdown Affecting 15th-16th Floors, March 1

Due to urgent repairs, we will be conducting a temporary electrical shutdown that will affect emergency power on the 15th and 16th floors of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Building from 3:30 p.m. to approximately 4:30 p.m. today, March 1. Normal power outlets will not be affected and will continue to operate during the shutdown.

The following services will be unavailable on the 15th and 16th floors only during the temporary shutdown:

• Emergency power outlets in all research spaces and laboratories; all laboratory equipment on emergency power will be impacted (i.e., freezers, refrigerators, incubators)  
• Emergency lighting in hallways and laboratories
• Chemical fume-hood ventilation system
• Environmental Rooms

CUIMC Facilities Management representatives have been walking the floors to discuss this upcoming shutdown with building occupants and address any questions or concerns. Furthermore, representatives from CUIMC Facilities Management will onsite on the 15th and 16th floors during the shutdown in case any issues arise. For issues in laboratories during the temporary shutdown, please call us at 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3, and a mechanic will be dispatched to address the issue.

In preparation for the upcoming shutdown, please take the following precautionary steps if your offices and laboratories are located on the 15th and 16th floors:

• Save all files and important documents.
• Completely turn off all computers and laptops.
• Turn off all other electronic devices and non-essential laboratory equipment.
• Tightly seal all containers in fume hoods or remove and safely store them elsewhere in the lab.  
• Shut off all gas valves servicing the fume hoods.
• Keep all freezers, refrigerators, and environmental room doors closed and limit access. Typically, this equipment will maintain temperature for approximately four (4) hours. Do not place dry ice or cryogenic materials in cold rooms, as they can create a hazardous, oxygen-deficient atmosphere. If necessary, please relocate critical materials to unaffected freezers for the duration of the shutdown.

Laboratories are strongly encouraged to suspend all work involving hazardous materials for the duration of the shutdown. Fume hoods should not be used until they have been re-certified by Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S).

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this time. For any questions or concerns, please contact John Hession, plant superintendent, at jkh2149@cumc.columbia.edu.